Infrastructure company Transrail Total 906 km (563 mi) | Major operators Transrail | |
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Main 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ⁄8 in) | ||
Senegal has 906 km of railway at 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) gauge. This is part of the Dakar–Niger Railway which crosses the border to Mali. The railway is operated by Transrail, managed by the Belgian company Vecturis.
Contents
History
Senegal was formerly part of the federation of French West Africa so the history of its railways is closely linked to that of its neighbours.
Dakar–Saint-Louis railway
This was the first railway line in French West Africa when it opened in 1885. It is now out of service.
Dakar–Niger Railway
Construction work on the Dakar–Niger Railway began at the end of the 19th century. The line was completed at the beginning of the 20th century.
Petit train de banlieue
The Petit train de banlieue (PTB) is a passenger train providing regular commuter services between Dakar railway station and Thiès, via Thiaroye and Rufisque. It was inaugurated in December 1987.
Train Express Regional
This line is under construction in 2016 and will link Dakar with the new international airport.
Developments since 2000
A gauge conversion from 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) was planned.
In August 2006 RITES of India was to supply 5 metre-gauge locomotives, with vacuum brakes converted to air brakes.
In October 2007 70 air braked coaches were ordered from Rail Coach Factory in India. A 750 kilometres (470 mi) rail line was planned to Faleme River region of South East Senegal for iron ore traffic.
In 2010, the Faleme project has been delayed by disputes between the leaseholders. In the meantime, the Dakar-Port Sudan Railway project surfaced.